A pre-vacation mechanic’s visit could save you far more than headaches

If an unplanned – and potentially expensive – stop on the side of the Coquihalla or I-5 isn’t on your wishlist, your first stop should be your neighbourhood mechanic.

Hours of driving in the heat of summer can be hard on your vehicle, even more so if you’re towing a boat or RV, explains Mike Salkus, service manager at the North Saanich Canadian Tire, serving the entire Saanich Peninsula. Add towing fees to a shop kilometers away, perhaps from areas without cellphone service, and time taken away from your otherwise well-planned vacation, and a simple burst hose or broken belt can add up to far more than a holiday hiccup.

“You definitely don’t want to spend part of your vacation stuck on the side of the road,” Salkus says. “If you’re doing work with us, we provide a visual report and we could pick up on any of these things before they hit the road.”

Common problem areas a pre-trip check-up can catch?

• Belts and hoses

• Tires

• Brakes

• Fluids, including coolant and washer fluid

“A pre-vacation inspection will include the same visual inspection we always provide and we’ll also pull off the wheels to have a look at the brakes,” Salkus says. “And if you have a trailer or RV, it’s essential to include that in the inspection too, as overheated bearings can create big problems.”

State-of-the-art equipment + skilled technicians

As a brand new shop outfitted with the latest gear – not to mention convenient hours welcoming drivers from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday – the North Saanich Canadian Tire is THE place on the Peninsula to ensure your vehicle gets the warranty-approved servicing it needs.

Of course, the right equipment and premium-quality parts also require the right technical know-how. Led by Salkus, who offers an amazing 42 years of experience in the industry, the shop also boasts two fully licensed mechanics, a third-year apprentice and a first-year apprentice.

Confidence in a Canada-wide warranty

For even more peace of mind, drivers driving cross-country know that work undertaken at any Canadian Tire is under warranty from coast to coast, Salkus adds. And those new tires? Enjoy Canadian Tire’s five-year Tire Care Guarantee!